Royal Roundup: Prep for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gets Underway

Around this time next year, Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 60th year on the British throne. And according to BBC News, Buckingham Palace is already knee-deep in much of the party planning.

The four-day Diamond Jubilee extravaganza will see the Queen attending the annual Epsom Derby, while as many as “1,000 boats will sail along the Thames with the Queen on the Royal Barge.” A BBC concert at the Palace is currently being planned, with many of the performers to be announced at a later date. Her Majesty will also commemorate the occasion by lighting the national beacon as 2,012 additional beacons are set to shine across Britain. And like with the royal wedding, UK citizens will receive an extra bank holiday.

In other royal-related news:

• One of the Queen’s most prized horses, Carlton House, is still slated for competition in Britain’s prestigious English Derby a.k.a. the Epsom Derby on Saturday (June 4). After taking home the Dante Stakes crown in May, the three-year-old colt has been nursing a swollen leg. BBC News reports that “Carlton House is seeking to be the first Derby winner owned by a reigning monarch since Minoru won in 1909 for King Edward VII.”

• Prince Williamshowed off his polo prowess to win the Audi Polo Challenge at Chester Racecourse on Wednesday (June 1). And although his new bride wasn’t there to cheer him on, Kate is expected to attend the Sentebale Polo Cup at Coworth Park, Berkshire on June 12, where Wills will face off against Prince Harry for charity.